Christopher Smith is a writer who covers investing, banking, insurance, and making extra money. He joined Clark.com in 2020. He has more than 14 years of writing experience. Christopher has always been interested in personal finance. When he was in elementary school, he would read the Sports and Money section of the newspaper at the breakfast table every morning, tracking the prices of his favorite stocks. He joined the investment club at school and even chose to make his fourth-grade presentation about the stock market. When he’s not working, he spends most of his time with his wife, a first-generation Colombian immigrant and a Physician Assistant. He also likes college football, NFTs, rock climbing and good restaurants. You can reach Christopher at [email protected].

More posts by Christopher Smith

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Why Are Retailers Adding an Additional $1 Charge on My Credit Card? Credit Cards May 17th, 2024
Reviewing your credit card statements at least once a month is a smart policy. It's the one bill that money…
What Are Index Funds?
What Are Index Funds? Investing & Retirement May 17th, 2024
Index funds are among the most popular retirement investments. But exactly what are they, and what are the best index…
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What’s the Cheapest Way To Replace a Lost Vehicle Key Fob? Cars May 16th, 2024
Raise your hand if you've ever lost something. If both of your hands are still down, I'm assuming you're lying…
How Much Does a Financial Advisor Cost?
How Much Does a Financial Advisor Cost? Investing & Retirement May 15th, 2024
Figuring out how much a financial advisor costs can be challenging. But it's easier if you understand how financial advisors…
The best robo-advisors offer low fees for managing your investment along with good customer service and a good app or website.
5 Best Robo-Advisors in 2024 Investing & Retirement May 14th, 2024
As more robo-advisors (and investment options of all kinds) come into existence, it’s harder to figure out what to use.…
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My 401(k) Just Moved to an Insurance Company. What Should I Do? Investing & Retirement May 14th, 2024
A 401(k) plan is one of the best benefits you can receive as a full-time employee. Especially if it comes…
Clark.com ranks the best online banks, taking free checking and high-interest savings accounts into consideration.
Best Online Banks: Free Checking and High-Interest Savings Accounts Online Banking May 14th, 2024
The best online banks charge you fewer fees and pay you more interest. If you don't mind doing your banking…
Best high-yield savings accounts
16 of the Best High-Yield Online Savings Accounts in May 2024 Banks & Banking May 14th, 2024
The best savings accounts help you grow your money safely. But the interest rate you can earn varies depending on…
Roth vs. traditional IRA is a decision that you'll face if you want to fund a retirement account outside of work.
Roth IRA vs. Traditional IRA: What’s the Difference? Investing & Retirement May 13th, 2024
If you're funding an Individual Retirement Account, your first decision will be a Roth vs. traditional IRA. But what's a…
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Will Clark Ever Stop Being Frugal and Enjoy His Money? Money & Credit May 13th, 2024
His spending habits command respect and create frustration. Money expert Clark Howard considers himself cheap. He sometimes says his time…
Policygenius Life Insurance Review: What To Know Before Getting Quotes
Policygenius Life Insurance Review: What To Know Before Getting Quotes Insurance May 13th, 2024
Shopping for term life insurance can seem intimidating. It's time-consuming and you're relying on your own judgment in an area…
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What Do I Do If I Have a Connecting Flight With a Short Layover? Travel May 10th, 2024
Even if you're a travel veteran, the thought of sprinting through the airport with your carry-on luggage can make your…
Immediate Payout Annuity: What Is It and Do You Need It?
Immediate Payout Annuity: What Is It and Do You Need It? Investing & Retirement May 9th, 2024
Depending on who you're around, sometimes you have to watch your words. I'm not talking about avoiding certain four-letter words…
What Is an Annuity, and Why Does Clark Think They Stink?
What Is an Annuity, and Why Does Clark Think They Stink? Insurance May 9th, 2024
Money expert Clark Howard is passionate about many financial topics. But it's hard to find something that gets him more…
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Is Robinhood Gold Worth It? Investing & Retirement May 9th, 2024
Robinhood revolutionized investing for retail investors (every-day people) by allowing free stock trades. Just as Charles Schwab had done decades…
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Should I Prioritize Insurance Costs When Choosing Cars for My Teenagers? Car Insurance May 8th, 2024
What factors should you prioritize when considering a vehicle for your teenager? Price, perhaps. Safety comes to mind. Fuel efficiency?…
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Do I Need To Accept U-Haul Insurance When Renting a Moving Truck? Car Insurance May 7th, 2024
If you're like me, you get used to denying upsells and add-ons at checkout. No, I don't want an extended…
Here are the best free checking accounts in 2020 according to Clark.com.
10 Best Free Checking Accounts in May 2024 Banks & Banking May 7th, 2024
The best checking accounts in 2024 are free, and most offer perks to their customers. If you're looking for a…
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Why Do Costco and Target Allow Cell Phone Salespeople? And Are They Legit? Shopping & Retail May 6th, 2024
You walk into a Costco browsing for treasures and hoping to find some delicious free samples. Suddenly, a professionally-dressed person…
Will Mark Cuban’s Prescription Company Really Save You Money?
Will Mark Cuban’s Prescription Company Really Save You Money? Deals & Savings May 6th, 2024
Are you tired of overpaying for prescription medications? Do you want transparent pricing and to avoid dealing with insurance? Mark…
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Should I Pay Off My Mortgage Before Retirement or Invest? Mortgages May 3rd, 2024
Inflation hits people on a fixed income the hardest. Say you're retired. You're living off a pension or Social Security…
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Should I Fire My 1% Financial Advisor To Save on Fees? Investing & Retirement May 2nd, 2024
Deciding to save and invest are great habits. But once you check that box, your job isn't done. You still…
The Rule of 55: What Is It, How It Works
The Rule of 55: What Is It, How It Works Investing & Retirement May 1st, 2024
If you're thinking about early retirement, it may be important to understand the Rule of 55 for 401(k) plans. This…
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How Dividing Your Monthly Credit Card Payment Speeds Up Your Payoff Date Credit Cards May 1st, 2024
You're not alone if you're running a balance on your credit cards. Collectively, Americans are running up our balances in…
How To Find Missing or Lost Retirement Accounts
How To Find Missing or Lost Retirement Accounts Investing & Retirement May 1st, 2024
Americans have reportedly lost or abandoned more than $1.6 trillion in retirement funds from previous employers. Fortunately, if you've lost…
How To Turn $100 a Week Into $1 Million With Compound Interest
How To Turn $100 a Week Into $1 Million With Compound Interest Investing & Retirement May 1st, 2024
Compound interest is one of the most exciting financial phenomena. Why? It's earning interest on interest! Get 10% in annual…
A mutual fund is a popular retirement investment type that can get you quick access to a diversified portfolio.
Mutual Funds: Are They A Good Investment Investing & Retirement May 1st, 2024
A mutual fund is an investment vehicle that gives you access to a diversified, professionally-managed portfolio. In this article, I'll…
Your company 401(k) plan fees can make a big difference in how much sense it makes to participate in the plan beyond securing the company match.
Why You Need To Know Your Company 401(k) Fees Investing & Retirement April 30th, 2024
Enrolling in a 401(k) plan is like getting hold of a cheat code for retirement: Not only is it tax-advantaged,…
Should you roll over your 401(k) to an IRA? It depends on several factors, money expert Clark Howard says.
Should You Rollover Your 401(k) to a New Employer? How To Make the Right Decision Investing & Retirement April 30th, 2024
Should you roll over your 401(k) or leave it with your old company? If you've recently left a job or…
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What Are My Retirement Account Options if My Company Doesn’t Offer a 401(k)? Investing & Retirement April 30th, 2024
If you work for a big company as a full-time employee, chances are you have access to a 401(k) account.…